Dear dancers,
We are just a month away from our home away from home, and we've got a ton of exciting event information to share with you! From music themes to class descriptions to EXPO colors to merch orders, we hope this answers several of your questions and more.
A word from Jon: This year we are trying something brand new, and I am sooo intrigued to hear how the band changes each night with each of our favorite bandleaders behind the wheel. This is a big experiment for us, and we hope you enjoy it. |
In past years, each night has been dedicated to a specific classic bandleader: Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Chick Webb, Erskine Hawkins, Etc. This year we are highlighting the amazing bandleaders who have been building these tributes, and give them all a chance to share some of their favorite tunes that have been played at Lindy Focus over the last decade. |
These bands are still designed to create the atmosphere and sound of historical dance bands, but here we focus often on looser, smaller groups for a more intimate (if no-less-thrilling) set of shows. |
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Main: Jonathan Stout & The Lindy Focus All Star Orchestra |
Returning to his home away from home as the leader of the Lindy Focus orchestra, Jonathan kicks us off as only he could. As the band leader who debuted each of our classic transcription concerts, no one knows this music like Jonathan does, and there's no one finer to lead us off with a selection of his favorites from the Lindy Focus transcription library. The color of the day is blue! |
| Late: Keenan McKenzie presents the Music of Al Cooper |
Keenan brings back the music of Al Cooper after debuting it 2 years ago on the Lindy Focus mainstage. The "littlest big band" of our lineup, we opted to squeeze them onto our late night stage and let everyone get close and personal with the music of the Savoy Ballroom. |
Blue Ridge DJs : NOLA Jazz Bucket |
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Main: Michael Gamble & The Lindy Focus All Star Orchestra |
As one of the founders of Lindy Focus, Michael's creative vision has been central to this entire organization from day-one. He has helped nurture and build this cozy community of swing enthusiasts into a true musical powerhouse, And we're thrilled to give him the spotlight and share his passion and hard work with all of us, as well as some of his favorite deep cuts. The color of the day is brown! |
| Late: Chloe Feoranzo presents The Lindy Focus All Star Band |
Chloe has been a mainstay at Lindy Focus for years, and for some reason we've never really set her loose to really show off everything she can do. Taking her first go as a bandleader at Lindy Focus, Chloe's set is all about celebrating femme icons and legendary women of jazz and swing, both from history and from today. |
Blue Ridge DJs: Chicago Blues
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Main: Laura Windley & The Lindy Focus All Star Orchestra |
Laura has been our primary vocalist (and legal advisor!) since the very beginning of the band leader transcription project. Over the past few years, she has confidently stepped into the shoes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, and so many other legendary singers. This year, she's going to do them all! Laura promises to bring a certain buoyancy and pep into the bandstand that only she could, along with a lot of great tunes for her (and some friends) to sing along to. The color of the day is green!
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| Late: Jonathan Stout presents the Music of Charlie Christian |
When you have the number one authority in the world on Charlie Christian's playing, you ask him to lead a Charlie Christian tribute. When you have one of the swingingest vibraphone players in the country in town, you ask them to join Charlie Christian night. When you have an audience like we have at Lindy Focus, you play the good stuff. This one is a no-brainer. |
Blue Ridge DJs: Soul & Party Blues |
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Main: Keenan McKenzie & The Lindy Focus All Star Orchestra |
Keenan has been one of the main transcribers of lost charts for Lindy Focus. He is also one of the most prolific modern swing songwriters and arrangers in our community. Last year, Keenan brought "modern classics" to our late night stage, playing all great swing music that was composed by Lindy Focus musicians in the last few years. This year: we are super sizing that idea and writing new arrangements of modern classics for our Biggest band yet, including some brand new tunes! The color of the day is purple!
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| Late: Michael Gamble presents: Even Mellower Rhythms |
Michael Gamble is *the* bass player at Lindy Focus, holding every band together and keeping everyone dancing all week long, and after a week of peppy numbers, barn burners, and jam circles, it's nice to play some nice and easy slow music for slow dancing. Michael will have you grooving all night long with his carefully curated collection. |
Blue Ridge DJs: Juke Joint/Clarksdale |
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New Year's Eve Party: Jonathan Stout & The Lindy Focus All Stars present: The Best of Lindy Focus |
New Year's Eve is a time of remembrance and tradition. And it just wouldn't feel traditional at Lindy Focus without Jonathan Stout ringing in the new year. The host with the most, the biggest band yet, and the best party of the year all come together. The theme of the day is chainmail + butterflies! |
| Late: Lindy Focus DJs Party til Death |
Blue Ridge DJs: NYE shenanigans |
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Colors of EXPO: Celebrating Asheville |
This year's color palette honors the beautiful Smoky Mountain Sunrise! |
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What are the Colors of EXPO? A fun way to bring the room together during dances. Our amazing lighting team will focus on a certain color each night in EXPO, and the band will dress to match the color. We invite you to join us in matching colors as well! No obligation, no requirements, just good vibes. |
- 12.27 Smoky Mountain Blue
- 12.28 Appalachian Brown
- 12.29 Mint Green + Money Metals
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12.30 Sunrise Purple
- 12.31/NYE Chainmail + Butterflies
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Last Call for Merch Pre-orders! |
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All Passes Are On Sale Now |
Passes of all types are still available! Grab yours today <3 |
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- All main dances
- All late-night dances
- Panel discussions
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History Talks
- Practice sessions
- Music jams
- Community activities
Want to add classes? No problem! They can be purchased separately to customize your learning journey. |
| - Everything included in the Dance Pass
- Access to all 16 hours of classes!
- You can sign up for two class tracks and an elective.
This pass is perfect for the dancer who's ready to join a cohort of students & dive deep into instruction. |
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- Main dance
- Late-night dances
- Panel discussions
- History Talks
- Practice sessions
- Music jams
- Community activities
If you want to take a class on your chosen day, they can be purchased separately. |
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The Crowne Plaza is fully booked! |
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Crowne Plaza is fully booked - please call (828) 285-2603 and speak with Emily to put your name on the waitlist. Emily is available M-F, 8a-4p eastern; you may also leave a voicemail. The waitlist is actively in use. |
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Class Descriptions Are Up! |
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| About 90% of class descriptions are up on the website! On desktop, hover over the title or click on mobile.
Descriptions cover class material, level, and expectations so be sure to give them all a read!
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Lindy Focus Learning Fund |
The Lindy Focus Learning Fund is a mutual aid project dedicated to helping dancers attend the event who might not otherwise be able to.
We're thrilled to provide scholarships to individuals who are making active contributions to their local dance scenes and plan to participate in classes and panels throughout the week at Lindy Focus. Applications have closed - please keep an eye on your inboxes over the next week if you're expecting a response! |
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We're already counting down the days (only 30!) until Lindy Focus '25. Don't miss out on this incredible week of dancing, learning, and community. Keep an eye out for more info, book your hotel room, and join our Discord server.
We can't wait to see you on the dance floor! |
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